Stumbling upon an interesting article about setting yourself up for life made me reflect on the traditional route: studying hard, acing your SATs, and getting into a top university. The New York Times shared insights from a PayScale survey which tracked the earnings of 1.2 million college graduates right after college and ten years later. It’s worth asking, do these figures make you feel set for life?
What’s striking is that the most successful graduates typically come from prestigious schools that demand high SAT scores and GPAs. This might suggest to any ambitious ninth grader or their parents that early academic performance really does count, especially if aiming for schools like Dartmouth, UPenn, or Yale.
As time passes, I’ve come to appreciate that education plays a crucial role in long-term success. Consider how well-educated former U.S. Presidents like Barack Obama and both George Bushes were. Whether it’s whip cream or sour cream, the best tends to rise to the top.
This begs the question, is an elite education the only ticket to success? It seems vital for kids to realize by middle school that they need to focus once high school begins if they want to maintain this option.
I still remember a friend’s older brother warning me back in seventh grade about taking high school seriously, which drastically changed my behavior for the better.
For parents reading this, I’d advise being straightforward with your kids about the importance of education. Given the high costs of college, which often reflects the perceived value of prestigious institutions, it’s all about playing the game right. Thankfully, financial aid and scholarships can make these schools accessible regardless of your financial background.
However, don’t be discouraged from applying to your dream school because of sticker shock; aid is available, and you won’t know what you can receive unless you apply. I often regret just sticking to local state schools due to the financial burden I thought it would place on my parents.
Interestingly, degrees like Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Economics are among the highest earning, whereas Social Work, Music, and Education lag behind. If it were up to me, I’d ensure those essential but undervalued professions were compensated much more generously.
Despite all these strategies and insights, remember there are no guarantees. You might attend a top university and still face challenges, or you might skip college and still achieve great success. After all, I didn’t attend a prestigious school and I’ve done alright for myself. The corporate world does tend to favor its own, with networks often formed by alumni from the same universities, which can influence career trajectories.
For those already in the workforce wondering about next steps, considering an MBA might be a good move, especially if it aligns with your career goals. Sometimes, attending a local graduate school might be more beneficial than one with a loftier reputation, depending on where you live and work.
Success is a blend of hard work, good relationships, and continual learning. While elite schooling might smooth the path, it’s just one of many factors that can lead to a fulfilling career. What do you think? Does attending an expensive, elite school really determine your career success? I’d love to hear stories that challenge this notion.
In the end, education is what you make of it. Whether you’re refining your skills through advanced courses or diversifying your income streams, there are numerous ways to enhance your financial stability and career satisfaction.
